2DogRC’s newest Techone Popwing is the larger 35” cousin in the series. This flying wing is made of EPP foam, one of if not the most durable of the foam materials in RC. I like flying wings. Once you get used to launching them you can have some great flying fun.

Kit Contents

This is pretty quick building kit that includes all you need to complete a great flying wing.

Assembly

The build is straightforward, but make sure you start on a flat surface, and give yourself enough room to operate to get both wing halves joined. I used medium CA and accelerator to make the bond. The model in the instructions is all white, so pay attention to which side is up and which side is down.

Wing

I aligned the two halves both front and back and top to bottom. I laid down some wax paper to protect the surface from glue. The carbon acts as a wing joiner.

Motor and mount

The laser-cut motor mount fits together snugly, but make sure to CA all the seams and also that the mount is square. I trial fit the mount to ensure sure it was running right down the middle of the wing.

Throttle range can be re-calibrated, so suitable for all brands of transmitter.

Fully PC programmable when used with Dualsky USB link(#45525).

Compatible with programming card(#45200) for easy re-programming at the field!

Stable linear BEC power supply, support up to 3S Lipo.

Fuselage

The only thing needed is to get the battery mount installed and then install the zip-ties that will secure the radio and ESC. The component compartment works well to isolate the receiver and the ESC from damage upon landing.

Radio Installation

Everything electronic needs to go into the aft compartment. Based on my experience, the weight issue will be that the Popwing is tail heavy. Because these electronics are so close, what you put here will really not matter with regard to CG.

Completion

I completed the build with the linkages. Be sure to set your radio for elevons or delta wing. I used the setting provided for the control throws of 15 degrees in both directions. Winglets complete the build.

Flying

The Popwing and the Technone motor correlate with the prop size. I started with a 6 x 3 prop pulling only 4.9 amps, and the Popwing was lethargic. It just did not have enough air movement to fly well. I switched to a 6 x 5 prop and really noticed a difference with an almost vertical performance. It was a quick improvement. In the end, I went with a 7 x 3 prop, and I immediately noticed a much improved and now-vertical performer at 16.1 amps. I ended up weighing in at 435 grams even though the manual suggested 300 -– 350 grams. I could not get the plane to balance without adding 120 grams of 1300 mAh battery in the nose. My original setup had an 800 mAh battery that weighed 65 grams, and even then I was at 380 grams over the specified weight in the manual. Just keep the weight parameters in mind as you get your accessories, but realize it will end up more like 400+ grams.

Basics

Wings are fun to fly. They are very stable and will easily perform many maneuvers. I really like the compactness of wings: They will sit in the trunk or back seat and little hangs out that can be broken off. The air time is pretty good on a 1300 mAh pack. I got easily 8 minute high throttle flights. The Popwing is a stable glider: It actually soars very well.

Taking Off and Landing

This is a hand launched aircraft that requires a simple sidearm toss. When trimmed correctly, the Popwing will leave your hand level, but that first toss might be a little of an attention getter. Be prepared, or have someone give it a toss.

Aerobatics/Special Flight Performance

The Popwing flies like a wing and will do loops, inverted flight and rolls. The high speed passes are where it shines with vertical climbs that are impressive with the right prop selection. It is equally adept at inverted flight.

Is This For a Beginner?

Wings are for intermediate to advanced flyers and a flying style that should be in your hangar.

Downloads

Conclusion

Techone has a great 35” flying wing. I would say a few tech notes would be in order on the website to correct the manual. Make absolutely sure you have the CG correct or the Popwing will not fly well. It will either fly tail down or porpoise so badly it will not be much fun to fly. Consider your only real option with weight, and that is the battery.

I loved the vertical performance. I highly recommend you use a stiff prop as the RPM will flex a soft prop. As well you cannot go above a 7” prop.

In my opinion, Mini Popwing = HK Bonsai, Popwing = HK Tesumo, they're both basically from the same factory but print difference. I have popwing but don't really like the idea that I need 1600 3s + another 15g weigh at the nose to get the CG right. Don't get me wrong this wing do fly well infact the epp quality is better than my MS Swift ll, but it just feel heavy...just my 2 cents.

Thank you for the review. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into doing this.

We have had alot of fun flying ours at the local field and chasing the gas planes. My club likes to fly gas combat and and I throw up with them, humbles them when the electric plane cuts their streamer.